Arsenal who have been on fire in the English Premier league beating the likes of Manchester City and humiliating other teams did not have it easy when they met New Castle United in the EFL Cup semi-finals clash.
Arsenal tipped to be the favourites got stopped from fighting for a trophy as New Castle sealed a dominant win. The match which started with Arsenal controlling majority of possession quickly changed to running after a comeback.
The Magpies who came into the game with a two goal advantage over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium only had one job to do, to ensure they protect their lead until the end of proceedings but they had better ideas.
Alexander Isak gave New Castle United a top-class opener in the 4th minute but after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside. Isak continued to torment the defence of Arsenal until the their opener.
Another solo effort from Isak hit the post in the 19th minute but Jacob Murphy was there to ensure the chance wasn’t wasted. His rebound gave the Magpies a lead and they protected it till the end of the first half.
With a three (3) goals aggregate against Arsenal it was only right for the home team to defend their lines until the end of the game but they kept pushing for another goal as they to increase the tally.
In the 48th minute, Saliba’s defensive error almost gave Gordon the chance to add up but his effort went wide. The defensive woes of Arsenal continued throughout the second half with little answers coming from Arteta’s men.
David Raya who has been the safest pair of hands in his bid to clear his defence placed a lazy pass to Declan Rice which got intercepted by Bruno Guimarães which fell to the feet of Anthony Gordon who was hungry for a goal.
Gordon slotted it pass Raya to give New Castle United their second for the night and the forth goal in aggregate which was enough to send the Magpies to the EFL Cup finals.
